RE: Fiat Panda 100HP: Catch it while you can
Discussion
Love mine. I've had some fairly tasty, quick cars in the past but I rarely feel short changed by the little Fiat. Yes I don't enjoy polishing it like I did some of my prettier cars and I sometimes get a pang of longing for something special on a Sunday morning drive but the Fiat is so much fun on a daily basis.
Cheap to run (easy 38 mpg average), very cool (though noone I know agrees) and really practical considering its small size.
Cheap to run (easy 38 mpg average), very cool (though noone I know agrees) and really practical considering its small size.
Skyedriver said:
Still looking for a cheap replacement for the (Classic) mini clubman I used for the up to 1400cc class in hillclimbs last year. Are these actually 100HP, are they really as good as an old mini on the corners and are there any cheap mods to improve things further. Apart from tyres of course.
I'll comment on this as I have direct experience. After crashing my Caterham at Harewood hillclimb I 'borrowed' my daughters 100hp to complete the season. Stuck a decent set of tyres on it and entered 4 events, result was 4 class wins, never done that before! Got to within a second and a half of the class record at Aintree, held by a 106 rallye and there was more time to come as I kept making a horlicks of the last corner. Handling was mild understeer, although it would oversteer into downhill corners if you turn in hard on the brakes. Spins the inside wheel in tight corners so is a bit traction limited. There are a few being sprinted now, it's a competitive class car, thread here with some times you can check out:http://www.fiatforum.com/panda/291278-hillclimbing-sprinting-100hp-5.html
Hi and thanks for that, its Harewood i would be at, was in a Mini Clubman last year and with a set of tyres I was starting to get nearer Andrew but no where near to David Taylor (never mind the Class record .....) and got fed up with breakdowns (so were the AA).
Sold the Mini (used a TVR Chimaera briefly but sold that too now) and been looking for something reasonably competitive, preferably in 1A.
Maybe just maybe I have found the replacement......
Sold the Mini (used a TVR Chimaera briefly but sold that too now) and been looking for something reasonably competitive, preferably in 1A.
Maybe just maybe I have found the replacement......
I ran in SA. There are some quick cars in 1A that have been built to the edge of class eligibility, Martin Rowe in his 106 springs to mind, there are also some very lightweight minis. I think the Panda in 1A would struggle unless you started modding it. I think SA is the best bet for class wins in the Panda.
Skyedriver said:
Sorry but that link doesn't work
If you copy and paste it it works. Must have messed up the formatting, copy and paste from here http://www.fiatforum.com/panda/291278-hillclimbing...
I bought a metallic grey one new (for 7k!) back in 2008, after ruling out the Micra where the dealer's were a PITA and wanted me to pay for a car before even driving it, and a Suzuki Swift Sport which was a nice car but had bigger car running costs.
It was a great car that always made me grin when I drove it and a rev-happy engine that brought out the hooligan sitting on my shoulder, egging me on. Seemed to bring out a similar reaction in other people when they drove it too. I covered 60k in mine in under 3 years and it was mostly reliable with the only problem I had being in year 3 of a worn clutch release bearing which was not covered by warranty. Suspension was on the firm side (a mate stood on the sill and the suspension didn't compress at all) but not uncomfortable and servicing, general running costs and tyres were cheap and I think even thrashing it around I averaged 40mpg. Both my Mum and girlfriend (two separate people!
) bought one on the strength of going out for a drive in it.
5 years on, I'm wondering if I'd still feel the same way if I got in one today. Things seem to have moved on a fair bit and the equivalent 1.4 engines these days have more economy, more power and lower emissions, and small car interiors are more refined and a little less basic, but I'm struggling to think of a small car which fills the void the Panda left behind...
Chris
It was a great car that always made me grin when I drove it and a rev-happy engine that brought out the hooligan sitting on my shoulder, egging me on. Seemed to bring out a similar reaction in other people when they drove it too. I covered 60k in mine in under 3 years and it was mostly reliable with the only problem I had being in year 3 of a worn clutch release bearing which was not covered by warranty. Suspension was on the firm side (a mate stood on the sill and the suspension didn't compress at all) but not uncomfortable and servicing, general running costs and tyres were cheap and I think even thrashing it around I averaged 40mpg. Both my Mum and girlfriend (two separate people!
) bought one on the strength of going out for a drive in it.5 years on, I'm wondering if I'd still feel the same way if I got in one today. Things seem to have moved on a fair bit and the equivalent 1.4 engines these days have more economy, more power and lower emissions, and small car interiors are more refined and a little less basic, but I'm struggling to think of a small car which fills the void the Panda left behind...
Chris
funkyrobot said:
Will the boot fit a folded baby's pram and chassis and associated gubbins? Everything fits in my fiancee's 03 Polo, so how do these compare?
Yes - we have a Phil & Teds, which is huge, and it tucks in the boot no problem if you remove the parcel shelf. The damn thing even has a spare wheel - something the S-Max I'm about to but doesn't even have!2bars said:
I ran in SA. There are some quick cars in 1A that have been built to the edge of class eligibility, Martin Rowe in his 106 springs to mind, there are also some very lightweight minis. I think the Panda in 1A would struggle unless you started modding it. I think SA is the best bet for class wins in the Panda.
1A at Harewood doesn't allow much in the way of lightening, carpets, boot and bonnet only. No Plexiglass etc, Must be Tax & MoT. what is the SA Class you mention.I've had my 100HP for two and a bit years now and still love it. I like the fact it's an 'in the know' kind of car. It's great fun to hustle around town and on the twisty stuff. Yes, it bounces like a bouncy thing, but that's just character. Shan't be parting with this one for a while yet.
Here it is on the B4391 in North Wales a year last April.
Here it is on the B4391 in North Wales a year last April.
Edited by jez-m on Friday 23 January 00:43
BEN99W said:
I went for a 1.5 smart forfour - 108bhp, sub 1000kg, 46mpg, revy japanese engine, wheels right at each corner. The rear seats slide, flip forward and fold flat and the front seats fold flat too, so it's even more practical. It also has carpark-proof plastic panels and I love the funky looks. That prices were a good £1000 less than the panda sealed it for me. Mines debadged and most people don't even know what it is.
No offence but there is not enough money in the World to get me in one of those:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he6TL15pJtw
TX.
I like them, but as has been said, why would you buy one instead a of a Clio 182?
The ride is worse, they're no more economical, they're not as fast, build quality is no better.
They seem a good package in isolation, but relative to what else you can buy for the same money I am surprised they are as in demand as they are.
The ride is worse, they're no more economical, they're not as fast, build quality is no better.
They seem a good package in isolation, but relative to what else you can buy for the same money I am surprised they are as in demand as they are.
alolympic said:
I like them, but as has been said, why would you buy one instead a of a Clio 182?
The ride is worse, they're no more economical, they're not as fast, build quality is no better.
They seem a good package in isolation, but relative to what else you can buy for the same money I am surprised they are as in demand as they are.
Practicality was the main reason I chose the Panda over the 182 (or 197). With two small kids and this car having to play quite a practical role as well as making me smile, 4 doors is a massive bonus. Plus there was something about the Panda's chunky looks and cheeky demeanor that really appealed, and Dickie Meaden's long termer in Evo had an influence too. I'm happy with my decision!The ride is worse, they're no more economical, they're not as fast, build quality is no better.
They seem a good package in isolation, but relative to what else you can buy for the same money I am surprised they are as in demand as they are.
jez-m said:
funkyrobot said:
Will the boot fit a folded baby's pram and chassis and associated gubbins? Everything fits in my fiancee's 03 Polo, so how do these compare?
Yes - we have a Phil & Teds, which is huge, and it tucks in the boot no problem if you remove the parcel shelf. The damn thing even has a spare wheel - something the S-Max I'm about to but doesn't even have!We have a Mothercare pram and chassis system and it would obviously be a big plus if something like this could fit in. Someone had one of these cars at my old work place. Looked cool in a unique sort of way.
funkyrobot said:
Thanks.
We have a Mothercare pram and chassis system and it would obviously be a big plus if something like this could fit in. Someone had one of these cars at my old work place. Looked cool in a unique sort of way.
... I will warn you, there's barely room for a coat in the boot once the pram is in, but it does fit (in our case). Guess need may be different if it's an only car. Worth a look though. Good luck!We have a Mothercare pram and chassis system and it would obviously be a big plus if something like this could fit in. Someone had one of these cars at my old work place. Looked cool in a unique sort of way.
Economy wise, I'm surprised the quoted MPGs are all under 40. As I said earlier, my Stilo had the lesser capacity version of the same engine and unless I was caning it, I'd get low to mid-40s. In sixth, it sat at well under 3k rpm at 70. If I were going for a b-road blast, take 10mpg off 
So yeah, I know it's a different state of tune, etc but was reading through the thread wondering why it was so much worse than my heavier Stilo with the 1.2, though not in standard trim itself. I also wondered how sub-40mpg for this was "economical"
So yeah, I know it's a different state of tune, etc but was reading through the thread wondering why it was so much worse than my heavier Stilo with the 1.2, though not in standard trim itself. I also wondered how sub-40mpg for this was "economical"
alolympic said:
I like them, but as has been said, why would you buy one instead a of a Clio 182?
The ride is worse, they're no more economical, they're not as fast, build quality is no better.
They seem a good package in isolation, but relative to what else you can buy for the same money I am surprised they are as in demand as they are.
I'm willing to bet that more bits will fall off or break, more of the time with the 182 as opposed to the Panda.The ride is worse, they're no more economical, they're not as fast, build quality is no better.
They seem a good package in isolation, but relative to what else you can buy for the same money I am surprised they are as in demand as they are.
TheJimi said:
alolympic said:
I like them, but as has been said, why would you buy one instead a of a Clio 182?
The ride is worse, they're no more economical, they're not as fast, build quality is no better.
They seem a good package in isolation, but relative to what else you can buy for the same money I am surprised they are as in demand as they are.
I'm willing to bet that more bits will fall off or break, more of the time with the 182 as opposed to the Panda.The ride is worse, they're no more economical, they're not as fast, build quality is no better.
They seem a good package in isolation, but relative to what else you can buy for the same money I am surprised they are as in demand as they are.
smith94 said:
I was the previous owner to WN56 CWT before the guy currently.
Great car and can back everything up he says.
I had a lot of fun in that!
Thanks Will, the car has been absolutely great. I was going to say that it's the most legal fun i've had in a car, then remembered that out of all the cars that I have owned it is the ONLY one that i've managed to be rewarded with speeding points in my 14 years of driving! Great car and can back everything up he says.
I had a lot of fun in that!
It really brings out the devil in you, especially when there are a few islands en route! It's got character and is like a terrier, snapping at the heels of other more powerful cars; they just can't get rid of the sight of you.
I'll be sad to see it go.
X5TUU said:
Im shocked ... the love for these has totally caught me by surprise ... I haven't driven one, and doubt I ever would, I think theyre super fugly as well as looking like they are on stilts, look at them arch gaps!!
genuinely surprised, everyday is a school day!
I'm shocked, it still catches me by surprise that people who have no interest in driving a certain car are surprised that it actually drives well.genuinely surprised, everyday is a school day!
As for the looks, well, some people actually like the look of the BMW 3/5 GT. Shocking... I know.
9mm said:
Swift Sport looks better and is a better car in every department. Can't see why anyone other than a Fiat fanboy would buy one of these.
I'm a big fan of the Swift and always considered it the "small hatch to get", but when considering you've got kids, the Fiat seems in another class in terms of practicality.Most switf sports are 3-doors as well, and the boot might as well not be there.
Yes, they are miles better looking (imho) and probably more reliable, but like for like often more expensive and a lot less practical.
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